How to Stop Striving and Start Abiding in Jesus with Jeanine Amapola Ward

Do you ever feel like you're doing all the right things for God but still feel disconnected from Him?

My guest, author and podcast host Jeanine Amapola Ward, knows what it's like to chase success, check all the Christian boxes, and still feel spiritually empty. In this conversation, Janine shares how a season of heartbreak and burnout led her to discover what it really means to abide in Jesus.

We talk about practical ways to stay connected to God throughout your day, why knowing Jesus matters more than religious performance, and how to trust Him even when life doesn't make sense.

If you're tired of striving, this conversation is for you!

Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:02:31 - A YouTube Hobby Becomes a Calling

0:04:02 - Abide Means Stay Connected

0:07:31 - From Striving to Surrender

0:11:30 - Make Everyday Moments Checkpoints with God

0:20:08 - Jesus Meets Us in Grief

What We Talk About

• How Jeanine's journey as a social media influencer led to a deeper relationship with Jesus
• What it means to abide in Christ according to John 15
• The difference between performing for God and living in relationship with Him
• Simple ways to stay connected to Jesus during busy seasons
• Why spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, not a finish line
• How heartbreak, isolation, and burnout can reveal where we've placed our identity
• The comforting and challenging characteristics of Jesus
• Finding God's presence in grief and unanswered prayers
• Why surrendering control can replace anxiety with peace
• Jeanine's 40-day devotional, The Abiding Way, and how it helps women know Jesus more deeply

The Abiding Way: Four Practices for Staying Connected to Jesus

Janine shares practical ways to make abiding in Christ part of everyday life:

1. Remain in God's Word. Start with John 15 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what it means to stay connected to Jesus.
2. Create daily connection points. Talk to God throughout your day. Invite Him into your decisions, responsibilities, and relationships instead of limiting your time with Him to a morning devotional.
3. Examine your heart and actions. Regularly ask yourself:

Does this honor Jesus?

Does this help me bear fruit?

Does this make me more like Him?

1. Choose surrender over striving. Trust God's character and His leading, even when circumstances are difficult or the outcome isn't what you hoped for.

The goal isn't to follow a perfect spiritual routine. It's to cultivate a lifelong relationship with Jesus, one faithful step at a time.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book -

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith.

Connect with Jeanine:

The Abiding Way: https://www.amazon.com/ABIDING-WAY-Gospel-Forty-Faith/dp/0557781388/ref=sr_1_2

Happy & Healthy Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/HappyandHealthyPodcast

Jeanine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanineamapola

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones

Website: www.donnajones.org

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.